The Mountaineer ChalleNGe Academy is pleased to announce Class 1-25 as the 64th class to complete this West Virginia National Guard Program. Commencement exercises were held Friday, June 13th at Camp Dawson in Kingwood. A total of 84 graduates from 27 counties across the State of West Virginia successfully completed the requirements for graduation. Mr. Frank Vitale congratulated the Cadets and gave the commencement address.
The following Cadets participated from Tucker County: Cadet Christopher Donnellan, son of Eric Donnellan and Heather Helmick of Hambleton, was in Platoon 1. Cadet Donnellan was recognized for receiving the Overall Most Improved, Honor’s List, S2C Award as well as obtaining the six Individual Values Recognition Ribbons.
All graduating Cadets have completed the residential phase of ChalleNGe, which includes activities in eight core component areas ranging from Service to Community to Employability Skills. Cadets in this class provided 3789 hours of Service to Community for such organizations as Trout for Cheat, American Red Cross, Operation Gratitude, Empty Bowls, and Cheat River Festival. Following graduation, these Cadets will begin a two-year post-residential phase of ChalleNGe that includes placement activities in education and/or employment.
Applications are currently being accepted for Class 1-26 North that begins in January. Call toll-free at 1-800-529-7700 for more information.
